alternator output

[Baz]

Continuing with my electrical joy, I have connected a volt gauge to the wires connected to my old gauge and the reading was just over 10 volts. So both gauges reflected a low reading. I know I need to take a reading direct from the alternator, I only see one terminal leading from the unit and a small connector with a couple of wires. where do I connect my voltmeter ? My voltmeter gave a reading across the back of the gauge of maximum on the 10v scale.....
So I guess the alternator is the go as some of you have advised.

Thank you all ....
Baz

[Baz]

Where to connect voltmeter to alternator for output reading...anyone ?

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Where to connect voltmeter to alternator for output reading...anyone ?

I would connect the voltmeter to the alternator output post. That's the M6x1.0 stud sticking out of the rear of the alternator, with a thick medium sized green or black wire on it, held with a nut that takes a 10mm wrench. That's the current source to charge the battery and run the various electrical devices in the car.

-Bryan

[spider2081]

My voltmeter gave a reading across the back of the gauge of maximum on the 10v scale..

If you are checking the voltmeter that is in the car, the black lead of the test meter needs to be connected a good clean chassis ground and the red wire of the test meter connects to either of the existing voltmeters terminals. One terminal should display voltage and with the engine running above idle rpm it should display around 14 volts. The other terminal should display zero volts as it should be connected to a good chassis ground. You need to know that one of the cars meters terminals is making a good chassis ground for the volt meter to display the correct voltage.
What are the scales on your test meter? The test meter can't display correctly if the scale selected is less than the voltage you are trying to measure.
I think the cars volt meter should display slightly less voltage than the alternator's output voltage however 10 volts is too low. Have you measured the voltage connecting the meters leads to the batteries terminals, while the engine is running? The alternator's output terminal should be connected to the batteries positive terminal. Often its easier to measure voltage at the battery than at the alternator.

[Baz]

I have measured the voltage at the battery ...car running.. reading hair over 12v.
today measured voltage from nut terminal connecting larger cable to the Alternator with good earth....same reading.
Is there a voltage regulator somewhere, or do I need to have the unit checked by an autoelec.

I am tempted to take it off and ask them to repair....
Thoughts please...?

Thinking this might be the reason for my problems.
Thank you so much.....no many resources here in Oz.

[spider2081]

I am tempted to take it off and ask them to repair....

If you don't know when the alternator was last serviced or repaired I would have it repaired or replace with a known good alternator. Do you know whether your car has a Bosch alternator or a Marelli alternator? I think the Bosch alternators are more common to the Fiat's